Iran Navy Known as Int’l Force: Commander

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Navy commander said the presence of his forces in the high seas has contributed to global peace and security, noting that the world countries now regard the Iranian Navy as an international force.

“The (Iranian) Navy has a strong presence in the high seas, and the world countries consider the Navy as an international force,” Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said in an address to a gathering of foreign military attachés in Tehran on Tuesday.

The commander also noted that the Iranian naval forces’ overseas missions have contributed to peace and stability in waters of the region and beyond.

“We believe that regional countries are able to provide the region’s security through interaction, and in this regard, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army has provided security within its mission zone against the phenomenon of piracy by deploying 28 naval fleets in recent years,” Sayyari added.

Iran’s naval forces have in recent months succeeded to foil tens of pirate attacks against the country’s merchant vessels and oil tankers in the high seas.

Since November 2008, the Iranian Navy has conducted anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mendeb strait to protect the country's cargo ships and oil tankers against pirates.

Under the terms of several UN Security Council resolutions, nations can deploy warships to the Gulf of Aden and coastal waters of Somalia to protect their vessels against the pirates and, after giving notice to Somali government, enter Somali territorial in pursuit of the pirates.